The Best Insulin Pump? compare pump features, function & cost
Insulin pumps can make a huge difference in quality of life and in managing blood glucose! But which one is best for your family? This side-by-side comparison of all of the insulin pumps currently available in Canada looks at the features that are important to real pump users and their families (like us!), in a clear, comprehensive and updated format. It's designed to help you find the technology that best meets your individual needs and preferences.
The chart that follows includes these insulin pumps, currently approved by Health Canada as of April, 2021 (in alphabetical order):
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Medtronic Minimed™
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770G Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Pump System
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670G Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Pump System
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630G Insulin Pump System
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Omnipod® and Omnipod DASH® Insulin Management Systems (by Insulet)
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t:slim X2™ Insulin Pump (by Tandem®) with Basal-IQ™ or (now here!) with Control-IQ™
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YpsoPump by Ypsomed (Go to the YpsoPump product page to learn more.)
Details on each of the insulin pump systems:
More on the standard features common to most insulin pumps:
Want to compare CGM/Flash systems too?
Insulin Pump Comparison Chart (Canada)
©2021 Waltzing the Dragon, Inc.
| ©2021 Waltzing the Dragon, Inc | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Approved by Health Canada for which populations? Can my child wear it? | 770: Age 2+, type 1 670: Age 7+, type 1 630: All ages, type1 & 2 | All ages | Age 6+ | Age 6+ |
| DESIGN: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Is the pump tubing-free? | No | Yes! Omnipod is a tubeless “patch pump” | No | No |
| Size & Weight | 770: 9.6 x 5.3 x 2.4 cm / 85 grams 630, 670: 9.6 x 5.3 x 2.4 cm / 95.7 grams | PDM: 6.21 x 11.25 x 2.5 cm 125g (with batteries) | 7.95 x 5.08 x 1.52cm 112 grams (with full disposable) | 7.8 × 4.6 × 1.6 cm 83 grams (including battery and filled cartridge) |
| Screen | Colour LED backlit screen 770G: with autobrightness | Omnipod DASH PDM: Colour touchscreen Omnipod PDM: Colour screen (not touch-operated) 3.6 x 4.8 cm; (6.1 cm diagonal) LCD | Colour touchscreen | 4.1 × 1.6 cm black & white OLED touchscreen Option to rotate screen by 180 degrees |
| How does the insulin delivery mechanism work? | A piston in the pump body pushes the insulin out of the pump. | A piston in the pod pushes the insulin out of the pump. | Insulin is “sucked” into the “pig tail” part of the tubing because of a vacuum created by the outward movement of insulin. | A piston in the pump body pushes the insulin out of the pump. |
| Water-Resistance: Can I swim and bathe while wearing the pump? For water-proof ratings of CGM components, see also CGM Comparison Chart | Yes. Pump is waterproof. IPX8 Rating (protected against moisture for submersion of up to 3.6m for 24 hours) | Yes. Pod is Waterproof. IPX8 Rating (pod is guaranteed for submersion of up to 7.6m for 60 mins); PDM is not waterproof. | You can splash, but do not swim, surf, dive… Pump is only WaterResistant. IPX7 Rating (Watertight to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes) | Pump is waterproof IPX8 Rating (protected against moisture for submersion of up to 1 m for up to 60 mins) but Ypsomed recommends disconnecting for water sports. |
| Can I access new features/models when they become available by upgrading the software? | 770G: Yes! Upgrades are available as a remote software update while keeping the same hardware (pump body). 670G/630G: No, if you want the new features you need to purchase a new pump. | No, if you want the new features you need to purchase a new pump. | Yes! Upgrades are available as a remote software update while keeping the same hardware (pump body). | No, if you want the new features you need to purchase a new pump. |
| CGM: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Does the pump have an integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) available? |
All models: Yes, integrated with Medtronic CGM; OR Use as a Stand-alone Pump Note that 770, 670 in Auto Mode are Hybrid Closed Loop Systems with Automatic Insulin Adjustment. |
No. (But you could use an independent CGM system alongside Omnipod.) |
Note that t;slim + Dexcom G6 (when running Control-IQ software) is a Hybrid Closed Loop System with Automatic Insulin Adjustment. |
No. YpsoPump is open platform by design. (But you could use an independent CGM alongside YpsoPump.) There are plans for future "Ypsomed Loop" integration with Dexcom. |
| When used with integrated CGM… Will the pump stop insulin delivery when my glucose is low? | Yes. Suspend on Low feature: If user does not respond to the alert, basal insulin delivery will be shut off. Threshold is adjustable. | N/A (not integrated with CGM) | Yes (indirectly). Control-IQ / Basal-IQ will have already suspended basal insulin when a low was predicted. |
N/A (not integrated with CGM) There are plans for future "Ypsomed Loop". |
| When used with integrated CGM… Will the pump reduce or stop insulin delivery when it predicts my glucose is headed for a low? |
770, 670: Yes. Suspend Before Low feature stops basal insulin up to 30 minutes before reaching your pre-set low limits, then restarts again automatically when glucose rises. 630: No, will only Suspend On Low. |
N/A (not integrated with CGM) | Yes Control-IQ / Basal-IQ will suspend basal insulin if sensor glucose is predicted to fall below 4.4 in next 30 mins, then restarts again automatically when glucose rises. (This threshold of 4.4 is not adjustable.) |
N/A (not integrated with CGM) There are plans for future "Ypsomed Loop". |
| When used with integrated CGM… Will the pump automatically adjust insulin delivery based on my current BG? |
770, 670: Yes. BASAL insulin (only) is automatically adjusted up or down based on CGM readings. (780, available in other countries but not in Canada, also gives an automatic correction bolus for above-range glucose.) 630: Yes, basal insulin delivery will be suspended to help prevent a low (but will not be increased to deal with highs). |
N/A (not integrated with CGM) |
Control-IQ: Yes. BASAL insulin is automatically adjusted up or down based on CGM readings. AND Automatic BOLUS CORRECTION (1 per hour) will be given based on above target CGM reading. Basal-IQ: Yes, basal insulin delivery will be suspended to help prevent a low (but will not be increased to deal with highs). |
N/A (not integrated with CGM) There are plans for future "Ypsomed Loop". |
| BASAL: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| How big or small can the basal rates be? | Basal rate of 0.025 to 35 U/hr in increments as low as 0.025 U/hr for small basal rates (ex. Change from 0.100 to 0.125 U/hr) | Basal rate of 0.05(min) to 30.0(max) U/hr in 0.05 increments (ex. Change from 0.100 to 0.150 U/hr) | Basal rate of 0.1(min) to 15.0(max) U/hr in 0.001 increments (ex. Change from 0.100 to 0.101 U/hr) | Basal rate of 0.05(min) to 40.0(max) U/hr in steps as low as 0.01 U/hr for smaller basal rates (ex. Change from 0.100 to 0.110 U/hr) |
| How many different basal rates can I set throughout the day (24-hour period)? |
630: 48 basal rate segments. 770, 670: pump automatically adjusts basal insulin (based on CGM reading and largely independent of the programmed basal rates) every 5 mins, equivalent of up to 288 basal rates per day |
24 basal rate segments per program (up to 7 basal programs) |
16 basal rate segments (for each of the 6 possible Insulin Delivery Profiles). Control-IQ: pump automatically adjusts basal insulin (based on CGM reading and programmed basal rates) every 5 mins, equivalent of up to 288 basal rates per day |
24 basal rate segments in each basal profile |
| Can I create and switch between alternate basal profiles? (for weekends, exercise, illness, school days...) | 770, 670: n/a to make basals more conservative, you would set a Temp Glucose Target instead (see below) 630: Yes, up to 8 profiles (including primary) in which you can set varied basal rates. | Up to 7 profiles (including primary) in which you can set varied basal rates |
Control-IQ: n/a Basal-IQ and as standalone pump: Yes, up to 6 Personal insulin delivery Profiles: Within each you can set varied basal rates, ISF/correction factor, Carb Ratio (I:C), and target BG |
Up to 2 basal rate profiles (A and B), programmed by the user. |
| Can I set a temporary basal rate? (for illness, exercise, couch potato days, to cover hi-fat foods…) |
770, 670: n/a - to make basals more conservative, you would set a Temp Glucose Target instead (see below) 630: Yes, in % or Units/hr (from pump only, not from remote) Range: 0 to 200% (in 5% steps) Duration: 30-min to 24-hr in 15-min increments; Temp Basal Pre-sets available. |
Yes, in % or Units/hr Duration: 30-min to 12-hr in 30-min increments; 7 Temp Basal Pre-sets |
Control-IQ: n/a -to make basals more conservative, you would set a Temp Glucose Target instead (see below) Basal-IQ and as standalone pump: Yes Range: 0 to 250% Duration: 15-min to 72-hr in 1-min increments |
Yes Range: 0 to 200% (in 10% basal steps) Duration: 15-min to 24-hr in 15-min increments |
| Is there a temporary glucose target feature? (for exercise, overnight after a high-activity day, or for sleepovers) |
770, 670: Yes Alternate Temp Glucose Target is 8.3 mmol/L (compared to default Glucose Target of 6.7 mmol/L) 630: n/a |
n/a (not a Hybrid Closed loop system) |
Yes, when used with Dexcom G6 and Control-IQ software: Dedicated Temp Glucose Targets for Sleep and Exercise |
n/a (not a Hybrid Closed loop system) |
| BOLUS: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Bolus Size & Range: How small or large of a bolus can the pump deliver? | Bolus Delivery Range of min 0.025 to max 25U, in bolus increments of 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1U | Bolus Delivery Range of min 0.05 to max 30U, in bolus increments of 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 U | Bolus Delivery Range of min 0.05U to max 25U, in bolus increments as small as 0.01U. | Bolus Delivery Range of min 0.1U to max 30U in bolus steps of 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 2 U. |
| Bolus Delivery Speed: Can the pump deliver bolus insulin at different rates of speed? (for time efficiency, absorbability, and comfort) | 2 user-selected speeds: Standard (1.5U/min) or Quick (15U/min) | 1 speed: 1.5U/min | Auto-adjusts (not user- selectable) | 1 speed: 0.555 U/sec |
| Is there a Bolus Preset option, for my “usual” snacks / meals? | Yes, based on bolus size (in U of insulin) | Yes, 36 pre-sets (in grams of carbs OR units of insulin) | No (though touchscreen allows for convenience without pre-set amounts) | No pre-sets; use Blind Bolus for the most convenient bolus delivery. |
| Does the pump have a bolus calculator, using my programmed rates and ratios to do the math for me/my child? | Yes (“Bolus Wizard” available from pump only, not from meter remote) | Yes (“Suggested Bolus” calculator available via PDM remote only) | Yes (Bolus Calculator is available on pump touchscreen) | There is a Bolus Calculator in the YpsoPump App, not in the pump itself. You can enter bolus amounts (in Units of Insulin) directly into the pump. |
| Is there a Quick Bolus function (to deliver a bolus without looking or opening the pump screen)? | Yes “Easy Bolus” | Yes | Yes | Yes “Blind Bolus” |
| Can I program varied carb ratios across the day? Ratio = 1:C (1 unit of insulin covers C grams of carbs) | Yes in 8 time-segments the C in I:C ratio can be set from 1 to 200g carb/U in increments as small as 0.1g for ratios <10 (ex. You can change carb ratio from 1:8 to 1:8.1) | Yes in 4 time-segments the C in I:C ratio can be set from 1 to 150g carb/U in increments as small as 1g (ex. You can change carb ratio from 1:8 to 1:9) | Yes in 16 time-segments the C in I:C ratio can be set from 1 to 300g carb/U in increments as small as 0.1g for ratios <10 (ex. You can change carb ratio from 1:8 to 1:8.1) |
Yes (within the YpsoPump App) in 8 time-segments. The C in I:C ratio can be set from 1 to 150g carb/U |
| Can I program varied Insulin Sensitivity Factors (ISF) across the day? Ratio = 1:X (1 unit of insulin reduces glucose by X mmol/L) |
770, 670: n/a 630: Yes in up to 8 time-segments The X in ISF ratio can be set from 0.3 to 22.2mmol/L in increments of 0.1 mmol/L |
Yes in up to 4 time-segments The X in ISF ratio can be set from 0.1 to 16.7mmol/L in increments of 0.1 mmol/L |
Control-IQ: n/a Basal-IQ and as standalone pump: Yes in up to 16 time-segments The X in ISF ratio can be set from 0.1 to 33.3 mmol/L in increments of 0.1 mmol/L |
Yes (within the YpsoPump App) in up to 8 time-segments. The X in Correction Factor can be set from 0.1 to 22.2 mmol/L in increments of 0.1 mmol/L |
| Does the pump calculate active insulin remaining, to avoid insulin stacking and reduce the risk of lows? | Yes "Active Insulin" is shown on home screen of pump | Yes "Insulin on Board" is shown on status screen of PDM | Yes "Insulin on Board" is shown on home screen of receiver (pump) | Yes "Insulin on Board" is calculated and shown on the YpsoPump App, not directly on the pump. |
| Duration of Insulin Action (DIA): Can I set my own individualized length of time for which insulin continues to act? | "Active Insulin Time” can be set for 2 to 8 hours in 15-min increments | “Duration of Insulin Action” can be set for 2 to 6 hours in 30-min increments |
Control-IQ: Insulin Duration is fixed at 5 hours for the algorithm to work well. Basal-IQ and as standalone pump: “Insulin Duration” can be set for 2 to 8 hours in 1- minute increments (and is displayed on the home screen of the pump) |
“Duration of Insulin” can be set for 2 to 8 hours in 30-min increments in the YpsoPump App. |
| Extended Bolus: Can I split or extend a bolus to cover slower-digesting or hi-fat foods? |
770, 670: n/a 630: Square Wave® or Dual Wave® bolus in % of total units of insulin, (inputted in Units or using bolus calculator to input grams of carbs) in 1% increments for 30-min to 8-hr duration in 15-min increments. You should not use an extended bolus if BG correction amount is included – need to do each bolus separately. |
Extended Bolus (with “Deliver Now” and “Extend” portions) in Units or % of total bolus upfront for 30-min to 8-hr duration (in 30-minute increments) |
Control-IQ: n/a Basal-IQ and as standalone pump: Extended or Combination Bolus in % of total units of insulin) (inputted in Units or using bolus calculator to input grams of carbs) in 1% increments for 15-min to 8-hr duration (in 1-minute increments.) BG Correction amount is automatically separated out and delivered, you do not need to do 2 separate bolus actions. |
Extended or Combination bolus in Units of Insulin only (from 0.1 to 30.0 U) for 15-min to 12-hr duration (in 15-min increments). As you set the combo bolus in Units of Insulin, the % will also display. |
| INFUSION SETS: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Will the pump remind me when it’s time to change my infusion set? | Yes (pop-up message) | Pod Expiration Alert 1 to 24 hours in 1-hour increments | Site Reminder prompts user to change infusion set. Can set it for 1 to 3 days (user-selected) | No (See the YpsoPump App) |
| What type of infusion sets are available? |
Medtronic sets only: Flexible cannula with 90 degree insertion: in 6 or 9mm length, 4 tubing lengths; Flexible cannula with angled insertion: in 13 or 17mm length, 4 tubing lengths; Steel cannula with 90 degree insertion: in 6 or 8mm length, 3 tubing lengths. Insert any with or without the re-usable auto-inserter device. |
Only use Omnipod Pods (reservoir, insertion components and pumping mechanism are built into the Pod): Only flexible cannula with angled insertion, 6.5mm length Inserts automatically at the push of a button, with no injection needles in sight |
Use only Tandem sets: Flexible cannula with angled or 90° insertion, 6 or 9mm length, 2 tubing lengths, auto-inserter. 29G Steel cannula with 90° manual insertion: 8mm length; 80cm tubing. |
Use only YpsoPump Sets: Flexible cannula with 90 degree insertion: in 6 or 9mm length, with or without auto-inserter; 4 tubing lengths. 31G Steel cannula (thinnest on the market) with 90° insertion: in 5.5 or 8.5 mm length; with or without auto-inserter; 4 tubing lengths. YpsoPump Orbit connector has 360° tubing rotation at site (to change the tubing angle as needed). |
| INSULIN RESERVOIR: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Reservoir size | 300U (3.0 ml) | 200U (2.0 ml) | 300U (3.0 ml) | 160U (1.6 ml) |
| Low Insulin Warning: Does the pump alert you when insulin is beginning to run out? | Yes. Low Reservoir warning is user adjustable from 5 to 50 units in 5-unit increments. Pump will alert you again when half of the remaining units are used. | Yes. Low Reservoir warning is user adjustable from 10 to 50 units in 5-unit increments | Low Insulin Alert is user adjustable from 10 to 40 units. Status indicator visible on Home Screen. | Yes. Cartridge Level Low warning: if basal rate (incl temp) for the next 12 hrs + bolus amount remaining, is more than or equal to the amount of insulin in the cartridge. |
| If the insulin runs out… | … you can refill reservoir without replacing infusion set | … you need to replace the pod (infusion set), as the pod contains the reservoir. | … you can refill reservoir without replacing infusion set | … you can refill reservoir without replacing infusion set |
| LINKED METER or REMOTE: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Is there a linked BG meter (that communicates blood glucose results wirelessly to the insulin pump)? | Yes Contour Next Link blood glucose meters also function as a remote for units of insulin OR for carb pre-sets. | Yes Built in Freestyle blood glucose meter in PDM also functions as a remote for all insulin pump features. | No. Manually enter fingerstick BG results from the meter of your choice. | No. Manually enter fingerstick BG results from the meter of your choice. |
| Does it have smart device connectivity? |
770G: Yes. Use your smartphone to view and share and glucose data (but not to bolus or otherwise operate the pump). 670G/630G: No |
Omnipod DASH: Yes. Use your smartphone to view and share pump and Dexcom CGM data (but not to not to bolus or otherwise operate the pump – you still need the PDM for that). Omnipod: No |
Not the pump itself. (But when used with Dexcom G5 or G6, you can use the Dexcom G6 apps on your smart device to view and share glucose data.) | Yes. Pump is compatible with any Bluetooth enabled smartphone. Use YpsoPump App to view your data, calculate a bolus, etc. (but not to bolus or otherwise operate the pump). |
| Can I deliver an insulin bolus wirelessly from a meter remote or smartphone app? | Yes, from the meter-remote – for a manual bolus, or up to 8 preset amounts (in units of insulin). Not from a smartphone | Yes – you use the PDM (meter remote) for all functions, including bolus delivery & bolus calculator. Not from a smartphone. | No. |
No. Communication is 1- way, from pump to app (not from app to pump) Plans for future remote bolus from mobile device in Ypsomed Loop. |
| Is the insulin pump fully operational on its own (if I misplace/my child leaves behind at school the remote or smart phone)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (App does not control pump functions) |
| OTHER: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| In addition to automatic safety alarms, What kind of alerts or reminders will prompt me to do diabetes tasks? |
BG Check After Bolus Reminder. Missed Meal Bolus Reminder. Personal Reminders that you name and set (based on time of day). |
BG Check After Bolus Reminder. Bolus Reminder (i.e. for missed meal bolus). Custom Reminders that you name and set (based on time of day). |
BG Check After Bolus Reminder. Missed Meal Bolus Reminder. Incomplete Bolus Alert. Incomplete Temp Rate Alert. Incomplete Fill Tubing. Fill Cannula Alerts. High BG Alert. Low BG Reminder to re-check. |
Pump and Ypsomed App issue safety alerts, not task reminders: Threaded Rod Return Not Completed alert. Priming Not Completed alert. Bluetooth Disconnected alert. |
| What type of batteries can I use? How long do they last? | AA Lithium recommended. Also accepts alkaline, or NiMH (rechargeable). Battery Life varies by battery type used, approx. 3-4 weeks | 2 x AAA Alkaline in PDM Battery Life approx. 3 weeks | Internal rechargeable, nonreplaceable medicalgrade battery. Battery lasts up to 7 days (5 days if using CGM) between charges. 4-year minimum service life. | AAA Alkaline in pump (Service life typically 30 days of average use) PLUS internal rechargeable battery, which allows battery change without disrupting basal, temp basal or extended bolus functions. |
| CUSTOMER SUPPORT: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic Minimed 770G, 670G & 630G | Omnipod DASH & Omnipod | Tandem t:slim X2 (Stand-alone or integrated DexcomG6) | YpsoPump | |
| Vacation Loaner Program: Can I borrow a back-up pump for when I’m away from home? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty: For how long after purchase will the company provide support, and replace the pump if necessary? |
4 years (pump, which also acts as CGM Receiver) plus 1 additional year to match government funding, when applicable. 1 year (CGM transmitter) |
5 year Limited on PDM (pods are replaced every 3 days ) |
4 years for insulin pump only. 5 years under provincial pump funding program. (Dexcom CGM has separate warranty.) |
5 years |
We suggest that if you are considering a transition to a insulin pump, or if your child’s current insulin pump warranty is ending soon, use the chart above as a starting point to your research; then check out the websites for the different manufacturers and speak directly to company representatives, so that you and your child have all the information (concrete and intuitive) needed to choose the insulin pump that best fits your family.
Need to do more research?
The above information was reviewed for content accuracy by representatives of the pump companies.
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